Fordizmus

Fordism refers to a system of mass production and consumption that was pioneered by the Ford Motor Company in the early 20th century. It is characterized by the use of the assembly line, interchangeable parts, and the division of labor to produce goods efficiently and at a lower cost. This production method significantly increased output and made goods, such as automobiles, more accessible to a wider population.

Key to Fordism was the concept of the moving assembly line, introduced by Henry Ford in 1913 for the production of the Model T. This innovation drastically reduced the time and labor required to assemble a vehicle. Workers performed specific, repetitive tasks as the car moved along the line, leading to unprecedented levels of productivity.

Another crucial element of Fordism was the standardization of parts, ensuring that components were identical and could be easily replaced, simplifying repairs and manufacturing. Ford also famously implemented a five-dollar workday, a significant wage increase for his workers. This was partly to reduce employee turnover due to the monotonous nature of assembly line work and partly to create a consumer base that could afford the products they were helping to produce.

Fordism had a profound impact on industrial economies, shaping manufacturing practices and consumer culture. It contributed to the rise of the middle class and the suburbanization of populations as affordable transportation became widespread. While the strict adherence to Fordist principles has evolved with advancements in manufacturing, its core ideas of efficiency, mass production, and the link between wages and consumption remain influential.